Chargers will have a much different look on defense this season

The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the 2025 season with considerable changes to their defense, primarily under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. The most impactful losses have been Joey Bosa and Poona Ford, two significant defensive stalwarts. Bosa’s exit leaves a vacuum in their pass rush, their response has included promoting Tuli Tuipulotu to take on a much larger role. Tuipulotu’s emergence as a starter will be vital to replacing Bosa’s production.

The Chargers’ secondary faces its own challenges. Asante Samuel Jr. is recovering from neck surgery, raising questions about his availability and performance. His potential return and integration into the lineup remain pivotal, as they heavily rely on him to solidify their defensive backfield.

A standout improvement on defense is anticipated from Derwin James, who is projected to possibly lead the team in sacks this season. His versatility allows him to play multiple roles, contributing not only in coverage but also as a pressure player on the quarterback, potentially redefining defensive schemes. James combines physicality and versatility, noted for his ability to impact games significantly, even after a career marked by injuries. His recent performances have reignited conversations about his status among the top safeties, particularly as he enters a critical year to demonstrate his health and skill consistency.

Furthermore, rookie linebacker Daiyan Henley is expected to make significant contributions, with some analysts even predicting his potential to lead the league in tackles. His ability to cover ground and make impactful plays will bolster the Chargers’ efforts against the run, a defensive area that has been a concern in past seasons.

Overall, the Chargers are focusing on a more aggressive “by committee” defensive philosophy, striving to blend their younger talents with the experienced veterans to recover from critical losses. They aim to maintain competitiveness, particularly in the challenging AFC West, where games are often decided by narrow margins.

The combination of fresh talent and established players will be crucial for establishing dominance on defense. This pre season should reveal how effectively the Chargers have navigated with their newly acquired talent and adjustments. The combination of fresh talent and established players will be crucial for establishing dominance on defense.

Joey Bosa’s recent exit from the Chargers is tied to a tumultuous offseason. No longer on the roster, he is now with the Buffalo Bills under a one-year, $12.6 million contract. His absence significantly weakens the Chargers’ defensive front, as he was the team’s second all-time leader in sacks. Bosa has battled injuries, missing substantial playing time, which raised concerns about his durability. Reports indicate he encountered a calf injury during offseason workouts, which could delay his participation in training activities. His lack of health has been a recurring issue, with only 14 sacks recorded over the last two seasons.

Poona Ford, previously a key part of the Chargers’ defense, is now with the Rams, having signed a three-year, $27.6 million deal. Ford’s shorter stature paired with his long arms allows him to be effective in tight spaces, enhancing the Rams’ ability to disrupt running plays. As a nose tackle, he is expected to fill the void left by Bobby Brown III and bolster their run defense significantly. His arrival is seen as strategic, particularly as the Rams aim to regain their dominance following Aaron Donald’s retirement.

The impact of both players’ gone will be keenly felt. Bosa’s adjustment to the Bills’ scheme and Ford’s integration with the Rams’ defensive line are pivotal for both franchises’ playoff aspirations.

In the front seven, the Chargers are banking on the rising potential of rookie linebacker Daiyan Henley, who many predict could lead the league in tackles. His agility and ability to cover ground make him crucial for defensive efforts, especially in key situations where playmaking is essential. The off-season additions, including veteran talents like Khalil Mack, bolster the pass rush while contributing to a competitive defensive front that held opponents under 20 points in many games last season.

The defensive line will also see significant contributions from Tuli Tuipulotu, known for his disruptive nature against both the run and pass. His role in 2025 could elevate the Chargers’ ability to contain opposing offenses, particularly within their division. The influx of talent, combined with new defensive strategies from head coach Jim Harbaugh, is expected to revitalize a unit that needs to assert itself following a playoff exit.

Asante Samuel Jr.’s ongoing recovery from neck surgery is a factor to monitor; his explosive playmaking ability could greatly enhance the secondary’s depth and effectiveness if he returns to form. Meanwhile, the overall strategy will revolve around improving performance against high-caliber offenses in the AFC West. The team’s success hinges on achieving a balance between aggressive defensive schemes and maintaining the health of their star players throughout the season.

If the Chargers’ defense can synergize effectively, they may become one of the most formidable units in the league, potentially elevating the Bolts far beyond their previous playoff appearance and result.

more of this pls pic.twitter.com/ez4j1uTTnv

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 10, 2025